The DPE (Energy Performance Diagnosis) is a mandatory document for any rental or sale of a real estate property. It informs tenants and buyers about the energy consumption of the housing and its environmental impact.
What is the DPE and why is it mandatory?
Definition and Purpose
The Energy Performance Diagnosis is a standardized document that assigns a rating from A to G to a dwelling, based on:
its energy consumption (heating, hot water, air conditioning, ventilation)
its greenhouse gas emissions (CO2)
Dwellings rated A are the most energy-efficient, while those rated G are the most energy-consuming. The EPD aims to inform future occupants, raise awareness about energy savings, and encourage energy renovation of buildings.
Concerned Dwellings and Validity Duration
The EPD is mandatory for all dwellings used for habitation, whether offered for sale or rent, as long as they are occupied for more than 4 months per year. The exceptions include:
independent buildings of less than 50 m²,
dwellings intended for temporary occupancy (seasonal rentals, second homes).
The EPD is valid for 10 years, but it can lose its validity in the event of work modifying energy performance (renovation of insulation, boiler change, window replacement, etc.).
Since July 1, 2021, only the new EPD model is recognized as valid for sales and rentals. Old EPDs, carried out before this date, remain valid until:
December 31, 2024 for EPDs conducted between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017,
December 31, 2025 for those conducted between January 1, 2018 and June 30, 2021.
Who Carries Out the EPD?
The diagnosis must be performed by a certified real estate diagnostician, meaning a professional trained and recognized by an accredited organization (like Qualibat or I.Cert). This professional:
uses a standardized calculation method (3CL-DPE 2021),
must be independent,
bears responsibility for the reliability of the diagnosis,
must provide a complete report to the owner.
The EPD now relies solely on the physical characteristics of the property (area, materials, insulation, equipment...) and no longer on invoices.
Cost of an EPD
The price of an EPD varies based on:
the area of the dwelling,
the type of property (house or apartment),
the geographical location,
the professional contacted.
On average, the price ranges between €100 and €250. The EPD is the responsibility of the owner, seller or landlord.
Content of the EPD
The EPD report must necessarily include:
the energy class (from A to G),
the climate class (amount of greenhouse gases emitted),
a assessment of the annual primary energy consumption,
a cost estimate of annual energy,
recommendations for work to improve the property's performance,
indications on the quality of insulation and heating system.
Since July 1, 2021, the Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE) is enforceable: if a tenant or buyer finds that the information in the DPE is erroneous (e.g.: actual consumption is much higher), they can hold the owner or the inspector responsible. This measure aims to strengthen the transparency and reliability of the diagnosis.
DPE and rental ban: the new deadlines
The calendar of progressive bans
The Climate and Resilience law of 2021 provides for the gradual prohibition of renting out the most energy-intensive housing. Here are the deadlines to remember:
Since January 1, 2023: prohibition on renting out housing classified as G+ (consumption > 450 kWh/m²/year), which represents about 90,000 homes in France.
January 1, 2025: all housing classified as G will be banned for rent.
January 1, 2028: prohibition of housing classified as F.
January 1, 2034: prohibition of housing classified as E.
These measures only apply to rental housing (residential leases), including in the case of re-renting or lease renewal.
What consequences for property owners?
Owners of poorly classified properties will have to:
undertake energy renovation work (insulation, heating, ventilation...),
or temporarily cease renting their property until the energy performance classification improves.
In case of non-compliance, the lease may be considered void, financial penalties may be imposed, and the property may be listed in the file of energy inefficient buildings, which harms its resale value.
DPE, rent and revaluation: what is the connection?
Rent Freeze for F and G Housing
In tense areas, housing classified as F or G can no longer be subject to a rent increase during re-renting or lease renewal. This means:
no revaluation via the IRL,
no increase for works unless they allow for leaving the status of thermal sieve.
Lease Requalification and Possible Actions of the Tenant
A tenant can demand:
a rent reduction,
energy compliance,
or bring the matter to court in case of non-compliance with the rules.
Access to Public Aid
A recent DPE is necessary to access certain renovation aids:
Zero-interest eco-loan (Éco-PTZ),
Energy Savings Certificates (CEE),
regional or local aids.
Most of these aids require an improvement of at least two energy classes.
Asset Valuation
A good DPE facilitates the rental of the property, allows for better resale, reassures buyers or investors, and grants access to more favorable financing thanks to better credit conditions. Ask ChatGPT
On the other hand, a poorly classified housing risks:
a prolonged rental vacancy,
a decrease in resale value that can reach up to 10 to 20% depending on the area,
a barrier to bank borrowing, with some banks requiring a minimum DPE.
The DPE has become much more than just a simple regulatory formality: it is a real strategic tool for managing your real estate assets. It now dictates your ability to rent your property, the setting of the rent, access to assistance, as well as the value of your asset in the medium and long term.
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